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Spain and Morocco are separated by just a short stretch of sea, and taking the ferry is a straightforward way to begin a Moroccan adventure. You can sail into central Tangier for a day exploring the medina, or take your car, campervan or motorhome across for a longer road trip.
Morocco is one of our favourite winter escapes, and we’ve made this journey more than a dozen times using different ferry routes and ports. This guide brings together our first-hand experience and practical advice to help you choose your crossing, book your tickets and understand what happens at the ports.
Ferry from Spain to Morocco Key Facts
What it is: The Gap Decaders’ guide to ferry routes from Spain to Morocco, including crossings via Ceuta and Melilla.
Key practical facts: Tarifa serves Tangier Ville; Algeciras serves Tanger Med, while other routes depart from Málaga, Motril, Almería and Barcelona.
Best for: Foot passengers visiting Tangier and drivers planning a Moroccan road trip by car, campervan or motorhome.
First-hand experience: The Gap Decaders have made more than a dozen crossings between Spain and Morocco using different routes and ports.
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Tarifa to Tangier Ville
Baleària and Africa Morocco Link (AML) operate ferries between Tarifa and Tangier Ville, with crossings taking around an hour. There are several departures each day, although timetables vary with the season and weather conditions can affect sailings.
This is the most convenient route for a day trip to Tangier because you arrive right in the city, within walking distance of the medina. Make sure you choose Tangier Ville when booking, as Tanger Med is a separate port well outside the city.
You can also take a vehicle on this route, but you’ll drive straight into Tangier when you leave the port. We recommend having your onward route ready on your sat nav before disembarking, especially if this is your first time driving in Morocco.
Algeciras to Tanger Med
The crossing from Algeciras to Tanger Med takes around 90 minutes, with frequent daily departures. Tanger Med is a large commercial port outside Tangier, with direct access to Morocco’s motorway network, making this a convenient arrival point if you’re heading south in your own vehicle.
This is our usual choice and a popular route with motorhomers, many of whom buy their tickets from Viajes Normandie near Algeciras. Often known simply as “Carlos” after its founder, the agency has become something of a motorhoming institution, complete with the traditional bottle of wine and packet of biscuits! There’s parking nearby where travellers often spend the night before their crossing.
You’ll see the port written as both Tanger Med and Tangier Med, but these refer to the same place. It’s a different port from Tangier Ville, which is in the city centre. We learnt that distinction the hard way after booking a crossing to Tanger Med expecting to arrive in Tangier itself!
Algeciras to Ceuta
The ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta takes around an hour. Ceuta is a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, so this crossing takes you between two Spanish ports. Keep your passport and booking documents accessible for port and boarding checks.
To continue into Morocco, you’ll need to cross the land border, where Moroccan immigration and vehicle import formalities take place. Allow extra time, as queues can make the onward journey considerably longer than the ferry crossing alone.
Ceuta is worth considering if you’re heading towards Tetouan or Chefchaouen, although we’d weigh up the sailing price and departure time against the potential wait at the border.
Málaga to Melilla
Málaga is a convenient departure point if you’re exploring Andalucía or staying on the Costa del Sol. Baleària operates the crossing to Melilla, with the journey generally taking around six to seven hours, depending on the sailing. Check the timetable for your dates, as departure times and crossing lengths vary.
Melilla is a Spanish enclave on the North African coast, so you’ll arrive in Spain and then cross the land border into Morocco. Keep your passport and travel documents accessible for port checks, and allow additional time for Moroccan immigration and vehicle import formalities at the border.
This route is worth considering if you’re heading towards Fes or travelling south to the desert, particularly if it saves you driving west to Algeciras. When comparing crossings, factor in the time needed at the land border as well as the ferry journey.
Motril to Tanger Med
Motril is a smaller departure port on Granada’s Costa Tropical, making it a convenient option if you’re travelling through eastern Andalucía and want to avoid driving further west to Algeciras.
Baleària lists a route to Tanger Med, but availability varies by season, so check your travel dates before planning around this crossing. Journey times depend on the scheduled service, and you should check the accommodation options and any intermediate stops when booking.
On arrival at Tanger Med, you’ll have straightforward access to Morocco’s motorway network for onward travel towards the Atlantic coast or inland.
Motril to Al Hoceima
Baleària operates this crossing to Al Hoceima, also known as Alhucemas, on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. The journey takes approximately five hours, with sailing days and departure times varying by season.
This is a useful arrival point for exploring the Mediterranean coast and the Rif region before continuing inland towards Fes. Roads through the mountains can be winding and slow, so allow plenty of time for your onward journey.
Motril to Nador
Baleària also operates ferries between Motril and Nador. Check the current timetable for sailing days, crossing times and the choice of seats or cabins available on your departure.
Nador lies close to Melilla but is in Morocco, so you complete Moroccan entry formalities through the ferry and port process without needing a separate land border crossing. It’s a practical starting point for travelling south towards Midelt, Errachidia and the dunes at Merzouga.
Motril to Melilla
Another option from Motril is Baleària’s service to Melilla. Compare the sailing times and fares with the nearby Nador route, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle.
Melilla is a Spanish enclave, so continuing into Morocco means crossing the land border and completing Moroccan immigration and vehicle import formalities there. Allow extra time for queues when planning your onward journey.Ferries from Almeria
Almería to Nador
Almería is a convenient departure point if you’re travelling down Spain’s Mediterranean coast, particularly if your Moroccan itinerary starts in the east or heads south towards the desert. Sailing from here saves you continuing west to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Baleària and Africa Morocco Link (AML) advertise this route. Crossing times vary by ship and departure, so compare the full journey time alongside the fare, and check the seating and cabin options included in your ticket.
Nador is in Morocco, so you complete Moroccan immigration and vehicle import formalities through the ferry and arrival port process. From here, you can head south towards Midelt and Errachidia before continuing to Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. Allow plenty of time for the drive, especially if you’re arriving after an overnight crossing.
Almería to Melilla
Baleària also operates ferries from Almería to Melilla, with crossings taking approximately five to six hours, depending on the sailing.
Melilla is a Spanish enclave, so you’ll need to cross the land border to continue into Morocco. A shorter ferry journey can be offset by queues at the border, making it worth comparing the overall journey with a direct crossing to nearby Nador.
Keep your passport and vehicle documents accessible, and allow time for Moroccan immigration and temporary vehicle import formalities before planning a long onward drive.
Barcelona to Tanger Med
If you’re travelling from the UK or northern Europe, sailing from Barcelona can save you the long drive through Spain to the southern ferry ports. GNV operates this route to Tanger Med, where you can join Morocco’s motorway network for the journey towards Rabat, Casablanca and the Atlantic coast.
This is a much longer crossing than the routes from southern Spain, so compare the scheduled arrival time and accommodation costs alongside the fare. Journey lengths and sailing days vary, and some departures may include an intermediate stop.
For a crossing of this length, we’d consider a cabin money well spent, particularly if you’ll be driving after arrival. Check the options for your sailing, including pet-friendly accommodation if you’re travelling with an animal.
Barcelona to Nador
GNV also operates ferries between Barcelona and Nador, offering another way to reach Morocco without driving the length of Spain. Sailing days and journey times vary, so check the timetable for your dates before planning the rest of your trip.
Nador is a useful starting point for a route south towards the desert, followed by a return north through the Atlas Mountains or along the Atlantic coast. You could sail into Nador and return from Tanger Med, creating a circular Moroccan road trip with less backtracking.
As with the Tanger Med crossing, check the full scheduled journey time and compare seats with cabins before booking.
Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Morocco. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.
Ferries from Other Countries
You can also reach Morocco by ferry from France and Italy, which is worth considering if you’d prefer to spend more time at sea and reduce the driving.
GNV operates crossings from Sète in southern France to both Tanger Med and Nador, and from Genoa in Italy to Tanger Med. Sailing days and journey times vary, with some services making intermediate stops, so check the full itinerary before booking.
These longer crossings can save a substantial drive through Spain, but compare the total cost of your ferry and accommodation with the fuel, tolls and overnight stops you’d otherwise need. A cabin will make the journey more comfortable, particularly if you’re continuing by road soon after arriving in Morocco.
Booking Your Spain to Morocco Ferry
We recommend Direct Ferries for comparing routes, operators and fares in one place. Enter your travel dates and vehicle details to see the available crossings, then check the total journey time and what’s included before booking.
If you’re travelling in a motorhome, include its full dimensions, allowing for bike racks, roof boxes and anything else that adds to its length or height. Check the arrangements for pets before paying, as accommodation and access rules vary between ships.
For longer crossings, compare the cost of a cabin with a reclining seat, and check the ticket’s amendment and cancellation conditions if your plans might change. Sailing schedules can vary considerably between summer and winter, so use the timetable for your intended travel dates.
If you’re taking the Algeciras to Tanger Med route, you can also compare the online fare with a quote from Viajes Normandie, particularly if you want a flexible return ticket.
Planning a motorhome trip to Morocco?
Our new book, Motorhoming in Morocco, brings everything we’ve learned from seven trips and around two years of travelling in Morocco together in one practical guide.
From ferries, insurance and driving to campsites, gas, water and money, it covers the things you actually need to know before you go. You’ll also get our complete Morocco motorhome itinerary, based on the routes and places we know and love.
Spain to Morocco Ferry Tips
After more than a dozen crossings, we’ve learnt to leave plenty of room in our plans for delays and to keep our travel documents close at hand. These practical tips will help you prepare for the journey and know what to expect along the way.
Ticket Type
Compare the conditions as well as the price when choosing your ticket. A fixed return can work well for a shorter holiday, while a flexible or open return gives you more freedom if you’re travelling for several weeks and haven’t decided when to come back.
Check how long the return ticket remains valid, how to confirm your sailing and if fare differences or amendment charges apply. An open return doesn’t necessarily mean you can arrive at the port and board the next ferry, so confirm the booking procedure with your operator or ticket agent before heading back.
Timings
In all our years of crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, our booked ferries have often departed late, sometimes by more than two hours. We allow plenty of time for the crossing and border formalities, and avoid planning a long drive or a fixed appointment immediately after arrival.
Follow your operator’s check-in instructions even if delays are showing. Remember that Spain and Morocco can be on different local times, so check the departure and arrival times shown on your booking carefully.
At the Port
Check your operator’s instructions before travelling to find out if you can check in online or need to collect boarding passes at the port. Keep your booking confirmation, passports and vehicle documents accessible.
Waiting to board can be a bit chaotic as staff organise vehicles and make the most of the space on the car decks. Don’t be surprised if you’re directed between queues before boarding or parked close to neighbouring vehicles.
Before leaving your motorhome, take everything you’ll need for the crossing, including your passports, medication and any valuables. You’ll usually be unable to return to the vehicle deck during the journey.
On Board
Some ferries travelling directly to Morocco require you to complete an immigration form and have your passport checked and stamped on board. Take a pen and keep everyone’s passports with you when you leave the vehicle deck, then listen for announcements or ask a crew member where the Moroccan passport checks take place.
If forms are provided, complete one for each passenger before joining the queue. Get this done early in the crossing, as the queue can grow quickly, and check that each passport has been stamped before putting your documents away. You may need to show the stamp again when leaving the ship or passing through the port.
Most ferries have somewhere to buy food and drinks, although the choice varies between ships. We usually bring water and something to eat, especially as delays can make the journey longer than expected.
If you’re sailing to Ceuta or Melilla, you’ll complete Moroccan immigration formalities at the land border after leaving the ferry.
On Arrival
Follow the signs and staff instructions after disembarking, keeping your passports and vehicle documents accessible until you’ve cleared the port. On direct arrivals in Morocco, there may be further police and customs checks ashore, even if your passport was stamped on the ferry.
If you’re bringing a vehicle, you’ll need to complete the temporary import process with Moroccan customs. Keep the document they issue somewhere safe, as you may need it during your trip and when taking the vehicle out of Morocco.
Vehicle inspections can add to the arrival time. We’ve been directed through the scanner with our motorhome and truck, so allow plenty of time rather than assuming you’ll be on the road as soon as the ferry docks.
Before leaving the port, check that your documents have been returned and that the details on your vehicle import document are correct.
Getting insurance
Arriving at Tanger Med-
Being x-rayed
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ATM’s at the port
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Waiting to board at Algeciras
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Police dog check
Onward Travel in Morocco
Once you’ve cleared the port or land border, give yourself time to settle into driving in Morocco. We recommend having your first stop saved on your sat nav before leaving the ferry, so you can concentrate on the road as you find your way out of the port.
Tanger Med is convenient for joining the motorway network and heading towards the Atlantic coast, while Tangier Ville brings you straight into city traffic. Arrivals through Ceuta are useful for Tetouan and Chefchaouen, and Nador or Melilla work well for a journey south towards the desert.
If your crossing has been delayed or you haven’t slept well, keep the first day’s drive short. We’d much rather stop somewhere convenient and start properly the following morning than arrive tired in an unfamiliar place after dark.
More Morocco Travel to Explore
13 Of The Best Cities To Discover In Morocco
Planning Your Morocco Motorhome Adventure
Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey
What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Morocco?
Sahara Desert Morocco: Map, Tips & Ideas for Your Visit
Tarifa to Tangier: Tips & Tricks for a Day Trip to Morocco
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